AN URGENT appeal has been made for volunteers to support patients at a Ryedale day hospice.

Saint Catherine’s recently moved its day hospice to Malton Community Hospital but is so short of drivers that it is unable to transport all the patients who could benefit.

Palliative Care Sister Shirley Schofield said that the facility was an important service where patients with life-limiting illnesses could access the specialist expertise of nurses and consultant physicians.

As well as enjoying the social side of a day hospice, they were also able to see a consultant, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, social worker and benefit from complementary therapies.

“The problem is that we are very, very short of volunteers,” she added.

“We have all this expertise and would love to bring more patients in but we just don’t have enough volunteer drivers to transport them all.”

Sister Schofield said: "Day hospices are also important in giving carers a break."

Some volunteers use their own cars to bring in patients but the hospice would also love to hear from anyone willing to drive an MPV vehicle. For insurance reasons, the MPV can only be driven by volunteers under the age of 70.

Saint Catherine’s would also welcome more volunteers, including young people, to help out in the day hospice, chatting to patients, serving drinks and food, and helping with activities. Ryedale’s day hospice runs on Mondays from 10am to 3pm.

There are also volunteer opportunities in Ryedale’s hospice shops. Saint Catherine’s has shops in Pickering, Helmsley, and Malton which all need more people willing to give their time. Some people use voluntary work to boost their CV as a stepping stone to employment.

For details of any volunteering opportunities, call Ian Marshall, Staff and Volunteer Recruitment Manager, on 01723 351421.